Alexandra Kotze to join Ramsey County as CFO

Alexandra Kotze to join Ramsey County as CFO

Alexandra Kotze has been named Ramsey County’s Chief Financial Officer and Director of Finance. She will begin working in the role on March 2, reporting to County Manager Ryan O’Connor and serving on the county’s Executive Team.

“We are very pleased to welcome Alex to our leadership team here at Ramsey County,” said O’Connor. “Alex’s deep experience and knowledge of public sector finance and county government – particularly in the highly specialized health and human services field – will benefit our organization and communities greatly.”

Kotze will lead a team of 40 whose functions include annual budgeting; accounting and financial management; managing investments and debt financing; procuring goods and services; payroll; risk management; enterprise resource management; and audit coordination. Ramsey County’s biennial 2020-2021 operating budget is $1.5 billion. The department has maintained the highest possible bond ratings from Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s since 2001 and has been recognized annually for excellence by the Government Finance Officers Association for nearly four decades running. Kotze succeeds Lee Mehrkens who served in the role for 10 years prior to announcing his retirement.

Kotze has served as CFO of the Minnesota Department of Human Services since October 2013 – leading a team of 150 responsible for an $18 billion annual budget. Prior to this appointment, she served in fiscal and budget management roles at Milwaukee County. She began her career as a Family Connection Worker in Saint Paul.

“I am excited to join the team at Ramsey County and get back to local government work,” said Kotze. “I look forward to being part of the work to further Ramsey County's vision, mission, goals and strategic priorities, and using my skills and experience to benefit an outstanding organization that serves our community.”

Kotze earned a master’s degree in public policy from the Harris School at the University of Chicago and has a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota. She was named 2018 CFO of the Year – Government Division by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. Kotze actively volunteers for a number of organizations and resides in Saint Paul with her husband and two daughters.